Curriculum

At the Chiltern School, we follow the National Curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to KS5 as a vehicle for delivering a personalised learning programme.

AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD THROUGH THE LINKS BELOW are the Curriculum Overview Sheets for each Key Stage/Year group including the Early Years Foundation Stage, PMLD and 14-19 Curriculum Area. These sheets cover the 2 year cycle for each Key Stage for each subject.

Please see above the Early Years Curriculum and Assessment Statement which explains the way the Early Years Department is run.

In the primary years and Key Stage 3, the curriculum is delivered through the Creative Curriculum Approach.

If you would like to see more detailed Current Medium Term Plans for each Year Group, please click on this link – MEDIUM TERM PLANS

Pupils aged 14-19 years continue to develop their social interaction, health and leisure skills, communication skills, literacy, numeracy and ICT skills, and also follow a vocational key skills for life programme.

Courses for Post 16 pupils are linked to Foundation Learning which can provide accredited qualifications at Entry Level, and studies accredited through ASDAN and Trinity College London Arts Award.

In order to fulfill our commitment to excellence and achievement, we give particular emphasis in our curriculum to the development of:

Personal independence

Social interaction skills

Communication skills

Literacy, Numeracy and ICT

Physical Development and activity

Work related and Vocational Skills.

PERSONALISED LEARNING AND INCLUSION

We adapt the curriculum for individual learners according to their needs. We recognise pupils’ strengths and interests and build on these to promote achievement and success. We identify our pupils’ needs and adapt provision to meet these needs. We offer full access to the National Curriculum adapting it to take account of the development level and learning style of our pupils to ensure that they make good progress.

Post 16 pupils access transition arrangements to local colleges and where appropriate, work experience. Pupils and students are taught by experiences, well trained teachers and support staff.

We are committed to providing the best learning opportunities, including access to mainstream peers through in-school and supported inclusion, access to community resources and learning programmes that link classroom learning to life skills.

PERSONAL HEALTH, SOCIAL AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION

Personal and social development of our pupils is a key principal that underpins all of our learning activities. We aim for pupils to be as independent as possible. Our work on decision making, personal independence, communication skills, self-knowledge and pride in achievement form the foundations of citizenship and participation in our local communities.

Pupils at The Chiltern School are encouraged to test their skills, take risks and learn from their experiences. Educational visits provide opportunities outside the school environment to extend learning and practise essential life skills, use local facilities to buy items from shops, order, pay for and eat out, negotiate and enjoy many leisure activities.

Sport, health and leisure studies enable pupils to stay healthy, get fit, play sports and plan their own leisure time.

Pupils are always expected to behave well and in an age appropriate manner.

We have a comprehensive programme of accreditation to help school and home work together to develop out pupils’ self-help and independence skills. On the primary site, our onsite ‘sleep over’ in Year 4 and the 3-day residential visit in Years 5 & 6 are excellent opportunities to see how pupils are progressing with their independence. This is continued on the secondary site through trips to Blue Peris in Snowdonia.

LEARNING THOUGH ACTION ACROSS THE SCHOOL

At The Chiltern School, the curriculum supports the learning journey to independence of each pupil. Lessons and activities begin in the early years and are extended as pupils’ progress through the school onto further education and their life beyond school. In nursery, pupils learn to make choices about what they like to eat and drink.

As pupils get older and develop their communication skills, they learn to tell someone else what they want to eat and drink. They develop their independence in eating and drinking and table manners. In years 3 & 4 they invite friends from other classes to join them for snack in their class, or they go to the cafe in school. In years 5 & 6 they take those skills out into the cafes and restaurants in the community.

When they transfer to the secondary site, pupils use the school cafe and community facilities. In the 6th form, they use their academic knowledge in English and Maths and develop their vocational skills, preparing food and serving in the cafe.